Method for making and testing a pipeline



July 13, 1965 G. L. LOOMIS METHOD FOR MAKING AND TESTING A PIPELINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed 001:. 5, 1962 INVENTOR My 1. [a 01x15 Ari-0,2186%;

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METHOD FOR MAKING AND TESTING A PIPELINE Original Filed Oct. 5, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent 3,193,917 METHOD FUR MAKING AND TESTING A PIPELINE Glenn L. Loomis, Pasadena, Tern; Jean D. Loomis, executrix of Glenn L. Loornis, deceased, assignor to Jean 1). Loomis Original application Get. 5, 1962, Ser. No. 228,699, new Patent No. 3,153,845, dated Oct. 27, 1964. Divided and this application Feb. 29, 1%4, Ser. No. 351,579 8 LClaims. (Cl. 29-407) This application is a division of my copending application, Serial No. 228,600, filed October 5, 1962, and is entitled to the filing date thereof, now Patent No. 3,153,- 845 granted October 27, 1964.

The present invention relates to a method of making and testing a pipeline, and more particularly to a method used in aligning and joining together and testing sections of pipe as the sections are laid in sequence.

Throughout the specification, the method will be described in connection with the making up of a pipeline such as an oil, gas, water or the like pipeline used in! the transmission and supply of fluids across terrain. However, it will be understood, the method may be used in the completion of wells wherein flow tubing is assembled from sections in sequence and lowered into the well as assembled.

Heretofore, the laying of pipelines for the transmission of fluids such as oil, gas or water across great distances of terrain has been accomplished by joining together a multiplicity of pipe sections and laying such sections in a suitable trench and then covering the same. The joints of the sections were usually welded together although in some instances, they have been joined by a threaded collar or threading of one pipe section into another. After a multiplicity of such sections had been joined, and prior to such sections being buried in the ground, it was necessary to test the sections to make sure that there were no leaks at the joints. This was accomplished by capping the ends between a multiplicity of sections of pipe, filling the length with water and then applying pressure thereto. Each joint was then individually observed for leaks. This prior process was slow and costly, as the pipeline could not be buried as it was made, but had to be left open until the welded joints had been tested; and, if they showed no leaks, then wrapped or proofed against corrosion. Men and equipment had to be backed down the pipeline sometimes many miles in rough terrain to check each of the joints of the length of pipe being tested and to perform the finishing operation of wrapping or proofing the joint against corrosion and burying the pipe. It is evident such an operation is time consuming and costly. In arid regions where water was difiicult to obtain, the cost of using large quantities of water was prohibitive, especially if the pipelines were of large diameter.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved method which positively lines up the ends of two sections of pipe and permits the joining of sections of pipe and the testing of the sections in situ.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of lining up two sections of pipe, joining them together, and testing the same, the method decreasing the overall time and expense in laying a pipeline.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for aligning pipe sections, joining the pipe sections by welding, forcing the cooling of the weld and providing a test for the welded joint in situ.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for aligning sections of pipe, joining the same together by welding, forcing the cooling of the welded joint with a first fluid and immediately testing the joint with a second fluid after the first fiuid has been evacuated 3,193,917 Patented July 13, 1%65 therefrom, the method permitting testing by either sight inspection or observation of a pressure drop on the fluid within the pipe between spaced barriers.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of laying and testing pipe which uses a minimum amount of liquid for testing each joint, the liquid being conserved and reused for the testing of each addi tional joint. This object is of considerable importance in arid regions and in the laying of pipe in cold climates where a high percentage of anti-freeze must be used with the testing fluid. Because of the high concentration of anti-freeze in the testing fluid and the small amount of testing fluid used, the method and apparatus of the present invention make it economically feasible to lay pipe in frigid weather.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention may be more fully realized by reference to the accompanying specification, claims and drawings in which:

FEGURE 1 is a vertical sectional view through the end portion of two sections of pipe, the figure illustrating the apparatus of the present invention inserted into the pipe and in a static position;

FIGURE 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 22 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of one of the aligning blade members of the apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 2, but with the view illustrating the apparatus of the present invention in its operative position of aligning the sections of pipe and ready for the accomplishment of the test of the joint made between the two aligned sections of pipe; and,

FIGURE 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the operation of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings wherein like character and reference numerals represent like or similar parts, the method of the present invention will be understood by describing apparatus disclosed in FIGURES 1 through 4 inclusive which may be used for accomplishing the method. The apparatus, which is generally designated by the numeral 16, is provided with an elongated body member 12 having an enlarged substantially cylindrical center portion 14 from which extend end portions or stems 16 and 18 of reduced diameter. The center portion 14 of the elongated body member 12 has a diameter which is less than the inside diameter of the well pipe in which the apparatus is being used. In addition, the center portion is provided with an annular groove or recess 29. Each of the end portions 16 and 18 are threaded as indicated at 22 for receiving nuts or abutments 24 and 26 respectively.

A resilient packer element 28 is carried on each of the stems 16 and 18 and abuts against the nuts 24 and 26 respectively. The packer elements 28 are made of elastomeric material such as rubber, synthetic rubber, or the like, so that they can be compressed longitudinally against the respective abutments or nuts 24 and 26 and then expand transversely into sealing engagement with the interior wall of the end portions of pipe sections P and P.

The center portion 14 of the body member 12 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally-extending slots 30. As best shown in FIGURE 2, the slots 30 are angularly spaced from one another and each lies substantially in a radius of the body member 12. The slots 36 are adapted to receive elongated blade members 32. Each blade member 32 is provided with a cutout portion 34 which is adapted to substantially align with the annular groove 30 when the blades are in their retracted or static position. In addition, each blade member 32 is provided with arcuate cutouts 36 spacedoutwardly 'and 42, each land having; an annular groove 44 other piston member of the cutout 34. The ends of each blade member 32 are tapered toward each other as indicated at 38.

each'other, it is of course within the scope of the pres- As mentioned above, the centerportion 14 of the body member 12 is provided with the .annular cutout 2t), and this cutout divides the center portion into two lands 46 the blades 32 are positioned in the slots 30, they have a "length such that each endof each blade extends beyond In addition,

the arcuate cutouts 36. Aresilient retaining band 46,

carried inieach of the grooves 4 4-, rests in the'arcuate When erit invention that such passageways could be made concentric with one another.

Referring now to FIGURE 5,, the operation of the apparatus in conjunction withthe method of the present '1 invention willjnow be described. The apparatus 14) is i shown with half of it'inserted into the end of-a previouscutous 36 of the bladcsf32 and retains the'blades 32 in a the lands 40 and 42.. The retaining bands id-as shown may be .O-rings, but they could becoil' springs or snap rings. I 1

elements 23' are counterpoised differential piston membersStl. Each piston member $9 includes a pair of piston elements 52 and 54-,slidable on the end portionsor their innermost .or-retracted position so' that their'outer V planar edge portion 48 is below'the outer periphery oil Interposed between the tapered ends38' and the packer V stems 1d and 18 respectively. The piston element 521' is cup shape'dand has a head 56 and a skirt 5%, the

duced portion 6% of the. piston element 54, provide a seal between the respective elementsand the stem or end portions wand 18. Also an O-ringsdfi is provided between the skirt 58 and the reduced portion 60 to provide a seal therebetweenwhen the two piston elements 52 and 54- move relative to one another and relative to the end portions ldand l8. l 1 V In orderi'to actuatethe counterpoised diiferential pis ton member 5%, the body member 1 2 is provided with ly-laid section of pipe P. The conduits76, 88 and 90 as well as a suitable cable llii), arethreaded through the next section ofpipe P 'to be attached to the pipeline.

'Theconduits'iti, 38 and 90 are coupled to the apparatus it as well as the cable 1% and then the pipe P is'generally moved to a position Where its end is close to the free end of the previously-laid section of pipe P. When in this position, the section of pipe P will receive in its end the portion of. the'testing apparatus 10 which is shown exposed in FIGURES.

The nextstepin the processis to. accurately align the end of the. section of pipe P with the end of the previously-laid section of pipe P. The alignment is accomplished by flowing a fluid under pressure from the source 18 through the conduit 76 into the body-of the, tester apparatus and discharging the same within the counterpoised differential pistons 50. The source 78 may be a tank of water or other liquid carried on a dolly 102, the water includes valves, a pump and suitable pressure gauges. By

applying liquid under pressure through the conduit 76 and passageway 7t), the pistonelements 52 and 54 of each of the pistons 'move away fromreach other causing the packer elements 28 to be compressed and expand longitudinally into'sealing-engagement with'the interior of the sections of pipe P and Pland also causing all of the blade elements 32 to simultaneously move radially outwardly' into engagementwiththe interior wall of each section of pipe P and -P Since the radial movement of the blade-members 32 is accurately controlled by the pisa passageway '7tlhaving a laterally-extending passage '72 opening between the head 56 and reduced portion 69 or one piston member 54) and a second passage 74 openpiston element 52 to moveagainst'the packer element 28 whereas the otherpiston element 54 moves away from the cup-shaped element 52. toward the blade members 32. The conical end64 of the piston element'dqiengages the tapered ends33, and it will now be obvious that the two piston elements 54 moving toward one another will; cause the'respecti've blade elements 32 to move radially outwardly into engagement with theinteriorof the pipe.

The action of the counterpoised,diiierential piston memhers is substantially simultaneous so" that the packer ole-- ments 2% are substantially simultaneouslyjset against the interior wall ofv the pipewith the outward movement of the blade members 32.

Body member 12 is provided with a passageway 8tl extendihgthrough and to'the center portion '14.? The passageway Shop-ens laterallyon the peripheral surface;

or the land 4d,.as'indicated at 32. A second passageway 34 is provided in the body member'ikthe passage way sdopening on the land ll) as indicated at 86. QIt will' now benoted that the 'openings'or ports 82 and -86 are the pipe. 40 I J be discharged asitis heated up through ton elements 54, they will adjust and align, the ends of After the ends ojf the pipe have been aligned, a weld W; is made to form the joint between two sections of a pipe. By, providing the groove 20 in the center portion 14 of the body member 12, as well as the cutouts 34 in each of the blade members 32, the heat from welding the ends of the pipe sections-does not affect the apparatus.

Once the weld has been completed, and with the packers 28 still set and the blade members 32 still in engagement with the respective end portions of the pipe sections P and P, compressed airfron a suitable source of compressed air 1% is permitted to 'ilow through the conduit 9%? into the passageway 84- where it is discharged through the port 82 into the space between the sealed-oil packer elements 28. The conduit 88 at this time. is open to at- 1 mosphere so that the cool air flowing through the passageway 34 is'discharge d from the openingor portfid'adjacent the hot'weld and is allowed to circulate therein and V the passageway 36 and conduit 3:; to atmosphere.

Immediately after the weld W has cooled, the compresset or source. of compressed air 1% is, stopped and, by

suitable valves'on. the control unit 1tl4,'the'conduit 90 is opened to atmosphere. Conduit 38 is then-connected to thesource' cf'liquid '78, and liquid is pumped through the conduit 88, passageway 81) anddi scharged into the port diametrically opposite each other and the purpose 0f. f

providing such ports in this pipewill be explained in 'imore detaillater in the specification. .Passageways 8t and 84 are respectively connected to the flexible conduits .88 and 9B"respectively, the purpose of which Willi trated' for Convenience in parallel spaced'relatioi sliip to 82. As liquid fills upthe space between the set packer elements '28, the air in that space will be discharged through the opening 86 into the passageway 84, conduit 93 to atmosphere. When his determined that the space between the packers is completely filled with'the liquid, then a valve onthe. control unit 104 is operated to close the conduit 9tl and pressure is applied to the liquid dis- .charging from the conduit'Sd, passageway 80 and this pressure is eithermeasuredon a gauge tosee if there is a pressure drop indicating a leaklortheoperatorvisually inspectsthefweldW to see if liquid'f-is leaking therethrough. Once it has been determined that the weld W is satisfactory, then the conduit 90 is again connected to the source of compressed air 106 and the conduit 88 through suitable valves in the control unit 104 is placed in open communication with the source of liquid 78. Compressed air flowing through the conduit 90, passageway 84 and port 86 forces the liquid out of the space between the sealed-olf packer elements 28 through the port 82, passageway 80 and conduit back into the source of supply Where it may again be used for a subsequent test. After all the liquid has been removed from between the set packer elements 28, the pressure on the fluid in conduit 76 is released so that the packer elements relax and the piston elements 52 and 54 of the piston members 50 retract. A suitable winch 108 is then used to draw the apparatus by cable 100 through the pipe jnst connected to a position where it extends halfway out of the free end of this newly-attached section of pipe and then the conduits 76, 88 and 90, as well as the cable 100, are detached from the apparatus and threaded through the neXt section of pipe to be attached to the pipeline.

If gas is used instead of liquid to test the weld W, by suitable manipulation of valves in the control unit 104, gas can be flowed through the lines 88 or 90 to fill the space between the set packers 28. Of course, the gas will have to be raised to a suitable test pressure and then the weld W will have to be coated with a soap solution or the like so that a visual observation for leaks can be made. If there are bubbles present, then, of course, there is a leak. On the other hand, if there are no bubbles present after the soap solution has been applied to the weld W, then the weld provides a safe joint.

While the objects and advantages of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished by the method described and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood that the invention is susceptible to some slight modifications without departing from the spirit and principle thereof.

Therefore, the terminology used throughout the specific-ation and the illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of description and not limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. The method of making a pipeline from a plurality of elongated, tubular sections of pipe connected in sequence comprising the steps of: arranging an end of one section of pipe adjacent a free end of a previously connected section of pipe of the pipeline being made; establishing a barrier at a spaced point from the free end of the previously connected section of pipe and a second barrier at a spaced point from the said end of the one section of pipe, the barriers being simultaneously established; engaging the interior of the end portions of the respective sections of pipe and axially aligning the said end of the one section of pipe with the free end of the previously connected section of pipe simultaneously with the establishment of the barriers in the respective sections of pipes; connecting the aligned ends of the sections of pipe to one another; then applying fluid under pressure to the space between the barriers to test the connection for leaks; and if no leaks occur, then relieving and removing the fluid under pressure and releasing the spaced barriers, and repeating the above steps.

2. The method of making a pipeline from a plurality of elongated, tubular sections of a pipe connected in sequence comprising the steps of: arranging an end of one section of pipe adjacent a free end of a previously connected section of pipe of the pipeline being made; establishing a barrier at a spaced point from the free end of the connected sections of pipe and a second barrier at a spaced point from the said end of the one section of pipe, the barriers being simultaneously established; engaging the interior of the end portions of the respective sections of pipe and axially aligning the said end of one section of pipe :with the free end of the previously connected section of pipe; welding the aligned ends of the sections of pipe to one another; cooling the welded joint; then applying fluid under pressure to the space between the bar riers to test the welded joint for leaks; and if no leaks occur, then evacuating the fluid under pressure and releasing the spaced barriers and repeating the above steps.

3. The method of making a pipeline from a plurality of elongated, tubular sections of pipe connected in sequence comprising the steps of: arranging the end of one section of pipe adjacent a free end of a previously connected section of pipe of the pipeline being made; establishing a barrier at a spaced point from the free end of the previously connected sec-tion of pipe and a second barrier at a spaced point from the said end of the one section of pipe, the barriers being simultaneously established; engaging the interior of the end portions of respective sections of pipe and axially aligning the said end of one section of pipe with the free end of the previously connected section of pipe simultaneously with the establishment of barriers in the respective sections of pipes; Welding the aligned ends of the sections of pipe to one another; circulating a cooling fluid in the space between the barriers to cool the welded joint; then applying fluid under pressure to the space between the barriers to test the welded joint for leaks; and if no leaks occur, then evacuating the fluid under pressure and releasing the spaced barriers and repeating the above steps.

4. The method of making a pipeline from a plurality of elongated, tubular sections of pipe connected in sequence comprising the steps of: arranging an end of one section of pipe adjacent a free end of a previously connected section of pipe of the pipeline being made; establishing a barrier at a spaced point from the free end of the previously connected section of pipe and a second barrier at a spaced point from the said end of one section of pipe, the barriers being simultaneously established; engaging the interior of the end portions of the respective sections of pipe and axially aligning the said end of one section of pipe with the free end of the previously connected section of pipe simultaneously with the establishment of the barriers in the respective sections of pipe; welding the aligned ends of the sections of pipe to one another; flowing a cooling fluid from externally of the barrier in the one section of pipe into the space between the barriers and circulating the same therein to cool the welded joint; then applying fluid under pressure to the space between the barriers to test the welded joint for leaks; and if no leaks occur, then evacuating the fluid under pressure and releasing the spaced barriers and repeating the above steps.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the cooling fl-uid is air and the liquid is a solution of water and an antifreeze.

6. The method of making a pipeline from a plurality of elongated, tubular sections of pipe connected in sequence comprising the steps of: arranging an end of one section of pipe adjacent a free end of a previously connected section of pipe in the pipeline being made; establishing a barrier at a spaced point from the free end of the previously connected section of pipe and a second barrier at a spaced point from the said end of the one section of pipe, the barriers being simultaneously established; engaging the interior of the end portions of the respective sections of pipe and axially aligning the said end of one section of pipe with the free end of the previously connected section of pipe simultaneously with the establishment of the barriers in the respective sections of pipe; welding the aligned ends of the sections of pipe to one another; flowing a cooling fluid into the space between the barriers and circulating the same therein to cool the welded joint; then flowing a second fluid to the space between the barriers while evacuating the cooling fluid and any air from the space between the barriers;

stopping the flow of the second fluid when the same fills the 'space between the barriers and applying a pressure thereto to test the welded joint for leaks; and if no leaks joint; then fl owing a-liquid'from a suitable source to the space between thebarriers' while evacuating t-he occur, then evacuatingthe second fluid and releasing the s'p'aced barriers and repeating the above steps [7. The method of making a pipeline from a plurality of elongated, tubular sections of pipe connected inv se-,

quencee-comprising the steps of: arranging-an end of one section'of pipe adjacent a free end 'of a previously connected section of pipe in the pipeline being madeyest'ab fishing a barrier at a spaced point from the free end of the previously connected section of pipe: and a second barrier :at a spaced point from the said end of the one section of pipe, the barriers'being simultaneously establ-ished; engaging the interior end'portionsof the respective sections of pipe and axially aligning the said end of one section at pipe to the free end of the previously connected sect-ion of pipe simultaneously with the establishcooling fiuid and any air from the space between the barriers; stopping the flow of liquid when the same entirely fills the space between the barriers and applying pressure thereto to test the welded joint for leaks; and if no leaks occur, flowing a gaseous fluidinto the space between the .barrie-rsto cause the liquid to be evacuated therein-om back to the source;- releasing the spacedban riers and repeating the above steps. V a

8. The method of claim 7fwherein the: cooling fluid is v air and wherein the liquid is Water.

ment of thevbarriers in the respective sections of pipe;

'. V Referencescited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,977,987 1073.4 Corby. 29-407 4/50 Branson 29-407 wr-nTMORE A; WILTZ, Primary Examiner. f

THo As' VEAGER, Ex miner. 

1. THE METHOD OF MAKING A PIPELINE FROM A PLURALITY OF ELONGATED, TUBULAR SECTIONS OF PIPE CONNECTED IN SEQUENCE COMPRISING THE STEPS OF: ARRANGING AN END OF ONE SECTION OF PIPE ADJACENT A FREE END OF A PREVIOUSLY CONNECTED SECTION OF PIPE OF THE PIPELINE BEING MADE; ESTABLISHING A BARRIER AT A SPACED POINT FROM THE FREE END OF THE PREVIOUSLY CONNECTED SECTION OF PIPE AND A SECOND BARRIER AT A SPACED POINT FROM THE SAID END OF THE ONE SECTION OF PIPE, THE BARRIERS BEING SIMULTANEOUSLY ESTABLISHED; ENGAGING THE INTERIOR OF THE END PORTIONS OF THE RESPECTIVE SECTIONS OF PIPE AND AXIALLY ALIGNING THE SAID END OF THE ONE SECTION OF PIPE WITH THE FREE END OF THE PREVIOUSLY CONNECTED SECTION OF PIPE SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BARRIERS IN THE RESPECTIVE SECTIONS OF PIPES; CONNECTING THE ALIGNED ENDS OF THE SECTIONS OF PIPE TO ONE ANOTHER; THEN APPLYING FLUID UNDER PRESSURE TO THE SPACE BETWEEN THE BARRIERS TO TEST THE CONNECTION FOR LEAKS; AND IF NO LEAKS OCCUR, THEN RELIEVING AND REMOVING THE FLUID UNDER PRESSURE AND RELEASING THE SPACED BARRIERS, AND REPEATING THE ABOVE STEPS. 